As we told you last night, Opposition Leader Moses “Shyne” Barrow is of the view that the People’s United Party won in eight municipalities because of foreign government interference and electioneering. Well, PM Briceño says Barrow needs to look in the mirror and evaluate his own leadership. He also says that Barrow’s leadership is proving to be an asset to the P.U.P.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I have no idea what he is talking about on both instances, on both accusations that he has made. Probably he is talking about the former government that use to use openly government resources and funds on election day. We were very clear that nobody should use a government vehicle throughout the entire campaign. You need to use your own vehicle, go on your own time, pay your own expenses, the people that were around me campaigning I would pay for political work. I think that the leader of opposition needs to start off by looking in the mirror and taking a hard look and look at where he is going wrong and look at what he can do to make those changes. And if you are not prepared to do that you are bound to make those same mistakes but who am I to advice him. I would love for him to continue his ways, we are very happy with that. Let’s keep him where he is. He is one of our best assets. It doesn’t matter who is the leader of the UDP. We depend on the work we are doing. I think we are doing very well, when you look at the World Bank report, the IMF report, both of them are glowing reports on the work we are doing. This work we did on our own, we did not follow the usual formula that the IMD would give and the World Bank in cutting cost and expenses and firing people and raising taxes. We did it the right way, working with the Belizean people, inspiring confidence, working with the economy, growing the economy, opening up opportunities, working with public officers to make sure that we can prove the necessary service for our people, continue the social programs. So it does not matter who is the leader of the opposition. Shyne wants to be there, let us put it this way, I will not object.”
One municipality the People’s United Party is not celebrating in is San Ignacio, Santa Elena. In that municipality, the United Democratic Party won most of the seats that were up for grabs, except for one. This afternoon, Mayor Earl Trapp and his councilors were officially sworn in. Leader of the Opposition, Moses “Shyne” Barrow was present, along with Collet Area Representative Patrick Faber and former U.D.P. Mayor, Darrel Bradley. When we asked Prime Minister Briceño about the results, he said that he was disappointed. He believes that the P.U.P.’s area representatives in those towns should spend more time on the ground with their constituents.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“I must admit that I was very disappointed with the results in San Ignacio, Santa Elena because I believe we had a very good team. When you look at somebody like Mathew Preston, very young, dynamic man that had offered himself up for public service, I was disappointed but at the same time it gives us a chance to look in the mirror and see where we are going wrong and what we are doing well and make those corrections. In particular Minister Chebat and Habet can have that opportunity to take a hard look and see what changes they need to do. It is not necessarily about the machinery because they took out the voters but it seems the voters were probably sending them a subtle message that they need to do more work or spend more time in their constituencies. I try to remind ministers at all times your primary job si to be an area representative. Like I always tell everybody, I never forget that I can only be prime minister because the people of Orange Walk central continue to support me. So maybe it is a good message to them, a timely won, better you get the message now and make the changes that.”
There have been quite a few suicides over recent years, and even more attempts. A lot of the incidents could have been prevented, if only the victims had access to help. But the 2024-2030 Suicide Prevention Plan aims to save more of those lives that oftentimes slip through the cracks without detection of problems or despair. The document outlines a multi-sectoral approach that addresses the underlying risk factors that contribute to suicide, including mental illness. It addresses suicide behaviour, trends, suicide attempt and self-harm, as well as protective factors, and overall goals and objectives of the plan. Today, News Five spoke with Christa Courtenay who heads two key organizations that work to prevent suicides. She explained that the Mental Health Association and Mind-Health Connect work in their own different way to offer important information of where to go for persons with suicidal tendencies and their families.
Christa Courtenay
Christa Courtenay, Rep., Mind-Health Connect NGO & Mental Health Association
“The Mental Health Association has been in existence for a very long time. Back in 19, I think, 97, we were instrumental in getting suicide decriminalized. So we’re a policy advocacy organization, also of course, constantly advocating for the reduction of stigma, the increase of services, appropriate care. One of our major projects is running the Welcome Resource Center, which is like a daycare center for persons who are homeless or who subsequently also have some mental health disorder and need daycare. We have shower facilities. They participate in making their meals – again, trying to make sure that they can live with a little bit of dignity and participate in their own care. We coordinate services for people who might need additional support with any of the polyclinics to make sure that they’re getting access to the services that they may need. Mind Health Connect is a more recent NGO, I think in the last maybe seven or eight years. One of our major projects is a website, MindHealthConnect. com, that seeks to make sure that every available mental health or wellness resource that is available in Belize. Both private and public are listed all in one place. Everybody nowadays has their own device, they have data, they access the internet more than any other tool, and so we wanted to make sure that reaching out for help is more easily accessible after creating the website, which is supposed to be a comprehensive sort of list of resources, as we augment those resources, then services are added to the site, but for people who are interested in getting help, but don’t know to access care. All of the P.N.Ps that he mentioned are listed there. All of the clinics that are both public and any private mental health counsellors, for instance, who work in private practice. All of them are listed there so that people can access the help. We also have a phone number. It’s not a hotline per se, but people can call and ask us for direction if they’re not sure where to go or how to access it.”
This morning, the twenty-seventh annual Belikin La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge commenced with much fanfare in the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio. Over the course of four days, sixty-seven paddlers will compete against each other and the currents, as they race one hundred and eighty miles to Belize City’s BelCan Bridge on Monday. This year, hundreds of supporters eagerly await to see who will take home the prize in the event that is recognized for its ability to bring people together. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
This morning, the twin towns of Santa Elena and San Ignacio were alive with activity as people from all over the country gathered to secure their spots on the banks of the Macal River for the perfect view of the 2024 La Ruta Maya River Challenge. This year boasted a large turnout, as sixty-seven teams would be vying to be the first to cross the finish line on Monday. The race began at its usual starting point, at the Hawkesworth Bridge in San Ignacio where it journeyed down the Macal River to Banana Bank. Among this year’s competitors are returning champs Slim and Trim Like Guava Limb, who stated they were felling the pressure.
Britney Gordon
“So you guys are the returning champs. How do you feel about that?”
Daniel Cruz
Daniel Cruz, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb “Well, we feel, proud and pressured, right? Because, you know, they will want to win us and we have to try defend it.”
Britney Gordon
“And are you confident that you and your team will be able to pull it off today?”
Daniel Cruz
“First God, yes.”
Fellow Guava Limb team member, Andres Cabb stated that they have put in about four months of training and plan to recite a prayer before the race to prepare.
Andres Cabb
Andres Cabb, Paddler, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb
“Well right now we just did, we’ll do a prayer and then we’ll get in the water. Warm up. So we don’t stretch no muscle when we start.”
As one of Belize’s biggest events of the year, the race garners a lot of tourist attraction to San Ignacio. Visitors from all over the country travel to witness and participate in the activities. We spoke with first team manger of the first time competitors, the Panthers, Jim Berriman, who is a past paddler himself. Berriman stated that the team is representing BATSUB and while, they did not have a lot of time to prepare, they are excited to participate.
Jim Berriman
Jim Berriman, Team Manager, Panthers Team
“They’ve done a few training sessions only two training sessions actually. First one was about twelve miles, second one was thirty-seven, so they’re not the most experienced, but we’re here to take part.”
Britney Gordon
“Alright, so are you guys confident in your performance today?”
Jim Berriman
“Oh yes, very confident. I think we’ve got a good chance of the win. Yeah, we’ve been eyeing the trophy up, so yeah, definitely.”
The race not only exists to garner tourist attention, but it brings attention to the cultural and environmental significance of the river. Event organizer, Roberto Harrison, highlighted the significance of these aspects to us.
Britney Gordon
“This event started as a way to get people of San Ignacio together to have an event for the long weekend. How has the event elevated itself since its beginning?”
Roberto Harisson
Roberto Harisson, Event Organizer, La Ruta Maya
“First of all, we were looking at something to replace the one day event, the ninth of March, the Baron Bless Day. Normally, small events happening, but nothing much and at the rest of the day and the rest of the weekend. So we coined the idea of putting something that would be more than just San Ignacio. And we came up and finally agreed that we would try this for the event. It’s been a very trying thing over, over the years because initially we looked at promoting not only the race as a sport, but looking at the culture the different communities along this river. There’s a history behind this river.”
Harrison explained that there are several key factors to consider when highlighting the importance of the river, historical, environmental and cultural.
Roberto Harrison “It was the business highway for people from San Ignacio to Belize city and Belize city to San Ignacio, we look at the environmental side because then, and now there’s quite a bit of difference in the banks of the river. So we wanted to look at how we can promote or create that awareness to replenish some of the green in the riverbanks. And we also look at the historical aspect because, again, history has it that this river was used by the Mayas to transport food from up Belize down or down Belize and up to San Ignacio. We looked at the communities themselves during the logging period where we knew that those communities were significant on how the goods were transported up on the road. So we look at the race in three parts; environment, history, and the culture of the river itself.”
Typical for the race is the overturning of canoes, as paddlers battle with the currents rushing against them. One team that encountered this setback was the Belize Coast Guard, which still managed to place third, despite the initial drawback at the start of the race.
Wilberto Daniels
Wilberto Daniels, Captain, Belize Coast Guard Team
“We placed top three today. Unfortunately we had a bad start and that’s the consequences of a bad start, right? But as a team captain, I’m always, my job is to keep the motivation high in my boat. So that managed to pick up back a momentum and start closing back the gap on the other teams. And today was one of the hardest day ever in my years of pulling La Ruta Maya, we really work hard today. Maybe if we had a little more time, maybe we would have closed the gap a little more, but yeah that’s a part of race. And we still have three more days and anything can happen in a race.”
The race ended with a close call as returning champs Guava Limb finished with a point five second lead over Team Lucas Oil Male, which encountered an obstacle just before the finish line. We checked in with today’s victors post-win for an update.
Britney Gordon
“So you just finished the race and you came in first place. How are you feeling?”
Andres Cabb
“First of all, I want to give thanks to God and that have given the opportunity to win the race. And we’re feeling tired and well, we are feeling tired but happy at the same time.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you feel that this win has eased some of the anxiety as the returning champs? “
Javier Guardado
Javier Guardado, Captain, Slim & Trim Like Guava Limb Team “Well, I guess so. So like we want today so tomorrow maybe will be a better day for us.”
The feelings of the paddlers may be mixed, but the race has only just begun and that coveted title is still up for grabs. Britney Gordon for News Five.
In a remarkable display of commitment to the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign, Victorious Nazarene School is once again in the news showcasing the community of Succotz as a beacon of inclusivity and setting an example for institutions across Belize. In this week’s Look on the Bright Side, we returned to Benque Viejo where we met another teacher doing “More” this time by being inclusive. How? That’s what we want you to see.
Sabreena Daly, Reporting
Victorious Nazarene School has been redefining education, breaking barriers, and leading the charge in the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign. In our initial story, we shared how this rural school uses artificial Intelligence to teach programming, a sophisticated aspect of computer science. This time around, however, we stopped at a classroom where we met Shereece Sabal, a teacher, engaging her students in sign language. She took on this initiative when she learned that she would be teaching a student with special needs.
Shereece Sabal
Shereece Sabal, Teacher, Victorious Nazarene School
“I had no idea that I had a student that couldn’t talk. So when they told me, I said, now what will happen because I don’t know sign language. So from then we had to have to put different things in place to make sure that he gets everything that he needs from me. And he’s included in every subject that we, um, that I teach here.”
Sabal’s commitment to inclusivity is not only evident in her words, but in the vibrant classroom atmosphere that she has cultivated. Learning sign language was not just a task for her; it was a commitment to ensuring that everyone, including her special needs student, is an integral part of the learning journey.
Shereece Sabal “This for me was a huge It’s a huge task to take on. First, I have to teach myself how to sign. And then include not only him, but all the other students. Because they also help, right? Because if I am busy or doing something with another student, then they’ll be able to help him if need be.”
Principal Shirley Humes, the guiding force behind Victorious Nazarene School’s inclusive ethos, sheds light on the school’s dedication to embracing diversity.
Shirley Humes
Shirley Humes, Principal, Victorious Nazarene School “We strongly believe in, in inclusion. And we believe that every child deserves a chance, despite their need. And, um, like I mentioned, you know, this is, it’s a, it’s a great challenge because signing is not easy. And you need to be a specialist to be able to sign. However, that, um, did not keep us away from not being able to, to take him in.”
What sets Victorious Nazarene apart is not just a commitment to inclusion, but the student body genuinely embracing diversity. When the Ministry of Education learned of this, it acknowledged the effort and shared that this is a prime example of doing more.
Dian Maheia
Dian Maheia, Chief Education Officer, MOECST “That sort of inspiration is really what moves me and I think it’s what moves our team at the Ministry of Education. That’s why being more inclusive is one of our core pillars under the more campaign because to show that you have that level of consideration for someone else. That you will go beyond what is expected. It really doesn’t diminish your capacity. You’re thinking more of someone else, and you’re building your own capacity. That teacher and those students have learned way more than sign language. They have learned to be better human beings. And that’s what we want. We want them to be more for Belize.”
That remarkable revelation unfolded not only through the teacher’s enthusiasm to making life easier for the hearing-impaired student, but also through the commitment of his classmates, who eagerly embraced the challenge of learning sign language.
Sabreena Daly
“What was your reaction to seeing the other students embrace learning sign language to communicate with their classmate?”
Shereece Sabal
“Well, in the beginning, it was very surprising. Because when I would sit back and I see them doing the little signs to him, I was like, well, I don’t know. It was very surprising for me. It was a great feeling. And then again, that motivated me more to teach them more so they can communicate with him more.”
Shirley Humes “That’s the beauty about Victoria’s Nazarene: our students embrace our children no matter what their condition is. And that’s what I’ve seen from his classmates. They embrace him, they help him along, and that has been the reaction from the students ever since preschool. They have been there, um, and I must say there are even parents who have sent their children with him. To sign in class to be able to help him out.”
Attorney Orson “OJ” Elrington was today charged with rape. He appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court where he was offered bail of eight thousand dollars plus one surety. The prosecution did not object to bail.
Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn Vidal told News Five, “I met with the Complainants in the matter and based on what they said to me, we did additional work and it was at the end of that process that we were in a position to make a decision.”
As we have been reporting, two women alleged that the attorney raped them. In January Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that “According to them while on their way home they were told by the attorney that they would stop at his house for one final drink after which he would take them home. They agreed, and they stopped off at a house according to them and whilst at the house they continued to drink and taking some shots of tequila. One of them said that she drank to the extent that she could not recall what took place after leaving the nightclub until the next day morning when she was awakened on the bed in the nude beside the attorney who was also semi nude. And her other partner who was there with her at the same time told her certain things. According to them while they were at the house the night drinking, they began to become intimate and that intimacy lead to him having sexual intercourse with them against their will and then the next day morning when they went home the one who is from Belize City told her boyfriend what transpired and he told her to report the matter to the police. “
Attorney Oscar Selgado was found guilty of abetment to commit murder by the High Court a few minutes ago. The Justice found that Selgado tried to hire Giovanni Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes in 2019. Barnesi had filed a complaint against Selgado to the General Legal Council.
Selgado was represented by Adolph Lucas Sr. The prosecution was represented by Director of Public Prosecution Cheryl Lynn Vidal.
At least one person was injured following a motorcycle crash on the Iguana Creek Road in the Cayo District. Video shows one man receiving medical attention at the scene. The victim has been identified as Mario Martinez. The other man who has been identified as alert Quell is unharmed. According to Quell, he was riding with his brother on Iguana Creek Road when Martinez came speeding into him. Quell says he was unable to avoid Martinez.
The People’s United Party remains on top after steamrolling all political opponents, including the United Democratic Party which it soundly defeated during the municipal elections on Wednesday. Tonight, we’ll begin with a recap of what transpired across the country on election day and how the blue machine overwhelmed the U.D.P. across all cities and towns with the exception of San Ignacio/Santa Elena. We’ll also show you what the Opposition Leader says following the stunning loss at the polls. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano to begin our post election coverage.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The opposition, as well as all third parties and independent candidates, was walloped at the polls on Wednesday by the People’s United Party. In hindsight, this bold prediction, initially made on Nomination Day by Party Leader Shyne Barrow, will likely go down in history as egg on his face.
Isani Cayetano
“What is your confidence on the ground, in terms of the municipal slates across all nine cities and towns.”
Shyne Barrow
Shyne Barrow, Leader, United Democratic Party (File: February 21st, 2024)
“I want the Belizean people to see, with all humility, this is my projection. Nine, nine municipalities and it is not farfetched. There was a time where the United Democratic Party administered all nine municipality and no municipality was out of reach.”
Despite its best efforts, the United Democratic Party was trounced in Belize City, one of the most hotly contested municipalities in the country. By the time the ballots were being counted, halfway through the process, the PUP had already claimed victory over the Old Capital.
Bernard Wagner
Bernard Wagner, Returning Mayor, Belize City
“I always have to say thank you to the people of Belize City and I also have to thank God, he has been the person behind me. I have to thank my family, I have to thank all the people of Belize City. But clearly, some of the indicators, essentially, are really significant from some of the key polling areas, constituencies of Lake-I, Pickstock, Freetown, Caribbean Shores. Clearly those numbers that we are seeing and are being forwarded to myself, we’re looking, pretty, pretty good.”
A total of four hundred and fifty-two thousand, seventy-three ballots were cast during yesterday’s elections in Belize City. Of that amount, roughly sixty-three percent of votes were in favor of the ruling People’s United Party. For the UDP, things got off to a slow start and ended in much the same way.
Nelma Jones Mortis
Dr. Nelma Jones Mortis, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belize City
“If you notice, I think, thus far, when I checked, I think about three hundred and twenty of our pledges have cast their vote. Each standard bearer is responsible for their constituency and for bringing out the vote. We collaborate with them, in terms of when people approach us, we pass it on to the standard bearers. So each standard bearer has their machinery set up.”
It’s the same approach that was employed by the P.U.P. area representatives. In Freetown, Francis Fonseca was able to secure seventy-six percent of the twenty thousand, eight hundred and five votes. In contrast, the UDP only had four thousand, two hundred and seven votes, or roughly twenty percent of that total.
Francis Fonseca
Francis Fonseca, Area Representative, Freetown
“So we have a very experienced team in Freetown and so we have a very clear plan. So today has been all about executing that plan. You know, we’ve been campaigning with the team with Mayor Wagner and the city council team over the past few months, since the start of the year, and the campaign has been very good. They’ve been warmly received in Freetown, both in Belama and here in King’s Park.”
Taken as a whole, the turnout in Belize City, as in other municipalities, was lower than expected.
Alisha Craig
Alisha Craig, U.D.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City
“I wish it was higher. I just checked the polls and they say it’s only about nine thousand out of thirty thousand. So, you know, that’s not really good, but maybe it’s a good sign as well. Like I said, that’s where the machinery, getting your taxis and everything in place to get out your voters. I think that’s what’s going to decide who wins the elections.”
Dr. Nelma Mortis
“ I was a bit disappointed in the low voters turnout, but I walked in confidence and I walked in confidence because I have put in the work and I have shared my vision and it’s up to the workers to decide who or what they expect for Belize City. And so, I did my best. I’ll be Nelma Mortis tomorrow, the same Nelma Mortis tomorrow.”
On the other hand, despite a low voter turnout, Eluide Miller was optimistic and remained so for the duration of the voting process, as well as the counting later in the evening.
Eluide Miller
Eluide Miller, P.U.P. Councilor Candidate, Belize City
“I’m feeling very excited seeing our residents flowing in to cast their votes. It’s a really beautiful moment and so we’ve been working very hard over the past couple weeks, past couple months and so it all comes down to today. Today is what matters most. I am very excited and yeah, I’m happy.”
Ultimately, returning mayor Bernard Wagner has secured a third term in office, along with his team of ten councilors, five of whom are carrying over from the previous Belize City Council.
Isani Cayetano
“It’s rare that we see, if perhaps not the first time that we’re seeing someone go for three consecutive terms in municipal office.”
Bernard Wagner
“I am telling you it’s overwhelming for me, personally. Really overwhelming. When I started in 2018, I could never conceive in my own mind that at some point in time I would be grappling with the idea of being a three-term mayor. But I believe in the will of the people and clearly the people in Belize City have spoken resoundingly again. And so, we are really excited to be able to serve the people again.”
The entire People’s United Party’s slate won convincingly in the City of Belmopan. This is the second straight municipal victory for the P.U.P. in the Capital City. In a municipality with ten thousand registered voters, fifty-five percent showed up to cast their ballots. That is a two percent increase from the 2021 municipal elections voters’ turnout. But unlike past years, the majority of those registered voters were from Belmopan East, where both Mayor Elect Pablo Cawich and Area Representative Oscar Mira reside. This is also the second consecutive loss for Jacklyn Burns as the United Democratic Party’s mayoral candidate in Belmopan. News Five’s Paul Lopez was in the Garden City. He filed the following report.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Belmopan voters began streaming into their respective polling stations as early as seven a.m. when the polls were opened. Between seven and eight a.m., a total of five hundred and seventy-nine voters had already cast their ballots. We spoke with a few voters to get a sense of their thought process going into the polling stations.
Jasmine Rhamdas
Jasmine Rhamdas, Belmopan Voter
“I look for someone like myself, a leader, someone that goes out and work for us, I don’t want anyone to think about themselves. Because being mayor or councilor we need you guys to step up and work for the community.”
Christopher Broaster
Christopher Broaster, Belmopan Voter
“Election time is one of those important time of the year where we come out to make our voices be heard and to put in the people that we believe will help move our area forward you know.”
Both political camps had their machineries on the ground working. And if the number of political shirts on each side was a foreshadowing of how the day would end, the People’s United Party would have won at the start of the elections. But, the polls were still open and both slates remained confident of a victory.
Chris Enriquez
Chris Enriquez, P.U.P. Councilor Elect, Belmopan
“I think our supporters are coming out. So far like I said this morning was a bit slow but it is starting to pick up. This afternoon we are going to see majority of our supporters are out. We are confident and we are just going to wait until the results are out.”
Jacklyn Burns
Jacklyn Burns, U.D.P. Mayoral Candidate, Belmopan
“You know when you do your homework you are confident in the grade you are going to get. I have done my homework. I have walked in many house as I could. Now it is just to get our voters out to cast their votes.”
The lowest number of voter turnout was between twelve and one p.m., but those numbers began to increase throughout the afternoon. And by five p.m. more than four thousand Belmopan voters had already cast their votes.
Pablo Cawich
Pablo Cawich, P.U.P. Mayor Elect, Belmopan
“The day in my view went very well. The machinery executed what it had to do and in our view this victory has been sealed.”
Jacklyn Burns
“You know when you do your homework you don’t get scared when the teacher asked the tough questions. I am like eight-five percent confident, that is where it is.”
Burns ran on the support of former Belmopan U.D.P. Area Representative, John Saldivar. He was Burn’s campaign manager, but remained out of the spotlight throughout the course of the day. Saldivar showed up to vote half an hour before the polling stations closed.
John Saldivar
John Saldivar, Former U.D.P. Area Rep, Belmopan
“Now I am coming to vote. I will put my ex there for my team. All morning I have been working hard to make sure that things work out well and I am very happy with the results so far and I am waiting on the counting, I am very confident.”
Polling stations closed at six p.m. At the end of the day a total of five thousand, five hundred and eighty-five registered voters exercised their democratic right in Belmopan. Boxes from two other polling stations began arriving at the counting station an hour later and the counting process officially began. By nine p.m., unofficial numbers began trickling out of the counting room. Early indications were that Cawich and his team were in the lead, much to the delight of the PUP supporters who were on the outside waiting. Three hours into the counting process, Area Representative Oscar Mira emerged to unofficially declare victory for the PUP in Belmopan.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, Area Representative, Belmopan
“Unofficially but we have won in Belmopan, the east has won significantly, the west has won significantly, in central we were even, we won north. Unofficially, but in Belmopan the People’s United Party remains in City Council.”
But it was not until midnight that the official counting process was over and a winner was declared in the Capital City. Chris Enriquez received the most votes for the day, while most of Cawich’s slate won by five hundred to a thousand votes.
Pablo Cawich
“The first thing we need to do is to get into the city council and start doing an analysis as to what is presently in place and what has been happening over the past term.”
Jackyln Burns
“The people have spoken. This is the electoral process, congratulations to the winners. I need time to sleep, with that said goodnight.”
